After yesterday's jaunt through the vineyards, today we headed back to the Rhone. We followed cycle and walking paths along the river as far as Évionnaz before finishing the last few kilometres into St Maurice on the Via Francigena.
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| Most of today's walk was along the Rhone |
We headed straight for a walking/cycle path by the Rhone to take us the first 8-10 kilometres out from Saillon. The path bordered the river on one side and a succession of orchards on the other. With the mountains all around, vineyards on the hills, and buildings perched in improbable places, the path was particularly enjoyable.
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| A pleasant start to the day's walk - downstream along the Rhone from Saillon |
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| The path was quite popular with cyclists |
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| River, mountains, Australian long-distance walkers, vineyards, orchards, wildflowers - impressive sights wherever one looks |
After a stop for breakfast at Fully, we continued on to the bend in the river. Called the Elbow of the Rhone, this is where the River takes almost a right-angled turn and heads north-west towards Lake Geneva.
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| We crossed over the Rhone near Martigny |
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| And headed down to the river |
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| A footpath took us towards the dog-leg bend in the Rhone |
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| Bend in the river - the Coude du Rhône |
The walking path continued for several kilometres. There weren't so many vineyards on this stretch.
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| River, mountains, bridges - scenic walking along the Rhone |
After a while the walking path joined up with the adjacent cycle path. We followed it for a few kilometres into the town of Évionnaz, where we stopped for lunch.
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| Cycle path along the Rhone towards Évionnaz |
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| Évionnaz |
At Évionnaz we left the river and took the Via Francigena. The path led us into peaceful countryside, and directed us between two lines of scenic electricity poles into St Maurice.
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| The scenic Via Francigena between Évionnaz and St Maurice |
We made our way into the historic town of St Maurice, and found our way to our accommodation.
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| Into St Maurice |
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| Day 73 - Birds |
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| Day 73 - Elevation Profile |
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| Day 73 - Route |
Day: 73
Distance: 28.32 km
Walking time: 5 hrs 42 mins
Elevation gain: 329 metres
Cumulative distance: 1,578.46
Switzerland distance: 499.66
Switzerland chocolate consumption: 35 blocks
Poem of the Day:
SECRET STRATEGY
When my legs refuse to stride
And shuffle's all they'll do
I have a secret strategy
That may work for you too
Your speed will surely triple
And all soreness disappear
You'll forget all your worries
And you'll find another gear
So what's my secret strategy?
What's my cunning calculation?
What keeps all the little aches at bay
And works better than hydration?
Why, song of course! A hum will do
Or a whistle-while-you-walk
Or a beating of the walking sticks
That makes other walkers gawk
You can belt out well known classic
songs
And if you forget your line
Just add another word (or ten)
And make a new song by design!
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